Vikings running back Alexander Mattison was racially abused after Minnesota’s 34–28 loss to the Eagles Thursday evening, he revealed in an Instagram story Friday morning.
Mattison shared a pair of racist, vulgar messages sent to him on Instagram after the game, which called him numerous slurs and suggested he take his own life.
“This is not ok,” Mattison wrote in text superimposed over the messages. “Y’all can come at me all you want about fantasy and ‘You suck,’ blah blah blah… but this s— is unacceptable… Under my helmet I am a human… a father… a son.”
The NFLPA condemned the abuse in a statement, writing, “We’re not going to share the images of the disgusting behavior and messages that [Mattison] was subject to last night, but we will call out and stand against this type of hate.”
We’re not going to share the images of the disgusting behavior and messages that @AlexMattison22 was subject to last night, but we will call out and stand against this type of hate.
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) September 15, 2023
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On Friday afternoon, the Vikings added a statement, writing, “We are sickened by the hatred and racial slurs directed toward Alexander Mattison following last night’s game. There is simply no room for racist words or actions in sports or society. The Vikings will continue to fight to eliminate hate, to educate and to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community that respects and values our unique backgrounds.”
We are sickened by the hatred and racial slurs directed toward Alexander Mattison following last night's game. pic.twitter.com/cdCRbxipr6
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 15, 2023
Mattison carried the ball eight times for 28 yards with a lost fumble in the loss. The 25-year-old has spent his entire five-year career with the Vikings.
